Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) in Gir as a significant step in advancing India’s wildlife conservation efforts, coinciding with World Wildlife Day.
“There have been significant deliberations and outcomes during the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held in Gir today,” PM Modi posted on X. He highlighted key initiatives, including the foundation stone laying of a National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, the announcement of the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Animal Conflict at SACON, Coimbatore, and an allocation of over Rs. 2,900 crore for lion conservation over the next decade.
The discussions also focused on minimizing forest fires and human-animal conflicts by leveraging advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). PM Modi announced new projects such as Project Gharial to revive the dwindling gharial population and Project Indian Sloth Bear to enhance conservation efforts for the species.
Stressing the importance of community participation in conservation efforts, PM Modi said a rise in community reserves and emphasized boosting local involvement in wildlife protection. He also expressed satisfaction over the release of India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, which not only provided a population count but also valuable insights into habitat protection.
The NBWL meeting also reviewed conservation strategies for dolphins, Asiatic lions, and the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance. PM Modi reiterated the need to raise awareness on dolphin conservation by involving local villagers and school children through exposure visits to dolphin habitats.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister flagged off motorcycles to enhance the mobility of frontline forest staff and interacted with field-level functionaries, including eco-guides and trackers, acknowledging their critical role in wildlife conservation.
(Inputs from ANI)
